MELBOURNE, Fla. (July 25, 2010) — Melbourne International Airport, recently named the top-rated airport in terms of Twitter usage, is turning to the popular social media tool as part of its aggressive promotion of US Airways’ latest $79* one-way discount fare.

Starting last week, the airport informed its Twitter followers about the carrier’s upcoming promotion, which extends its popular discount fare for travel through Nov. 17 between Melbourne and dozens of cities across the country.

“We’re committed to using new technologies to inform the flying public about the great fares on US Airways,” said Airport Executive Director Richard Ennis. “What better way to do that than by giving our Twitter followers an early heads up?”

The airport’s Facebook page also is gaining popularity. An “MLB Early Bird” e-mail blast announcing the new promotion was sent to a select group of airport supporters last week, as well.

The new US Airways’ fall promotion began Friday and was fueled by continued strong ridership numbers for the carrier, which resumed services from Melbourne in February.

“We’re very pleased that the success of previous US Airways discount fare promotions in Melbourne has encouraged the airline to extend them into the fall,” Ennis said. “Space Coast travelers really embraced this discount for their summer travel. Now they can enjoy these great fares into November.”

The $79* discount fares must be purchased by Aug. 12 for travel from Aug. 18 to Nov. 17, 2010. A seven-day advance purchase is required, additional fees and restrictions apply and seats are limited.
The $79* fares include major market destinations such as New York, Boston and Washington, D.C. as well as smaller markets, such as Akron, Ohio and Syracuse, N.Y. One-way fares for western destinations, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle, start as low as $119*.